attempted

Definition of attemptednext
past tense of attempt
as in tried
to make an effort to do after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help don't even attempt walking on your broken foot

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of attempted Officials say the trend should not be attempted at home and is especially unsafe for kids. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2026 As deputies attempted to make contact, the suspect drove off. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 With Washington's institutions held in such low regard, the bigger surprise may be that TMZ hasn't attempted such a flex here sooner. ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 Finding the behavior suspicious, police said the officers activated their overhead lights and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for attempted
Recent Examples of Synonyms for attempted
tried
Verb
  • Reiten tried lots of sports — like skiing and handball — but always found her way back to football.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Lee, who had tried to step around Rushing and then reach behind him to tag the plate, then slid awkwardly and sat up in discomfort.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/attempted. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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